For many Christians in Huntington, the season of Lent begins on February 10, Ash Wednesday. On the Western Calendar, Ash Wednesday occurs forty days (not counting Sundays) before Easter. Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance which is the theme of the Lenten season. The ashes used are often gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with oil or water. Ashes are imposed on the foreheads of the faithful. The minister marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes in the shape of a cross. The act echoes the ancient Near Eastern tradition of throwing ashes over one's head to signify repentance before God. As the ashes are applied, the minister recites the words of Scripture: "Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return", or "Repent, and believe the Gospel." In the Roman Catholic and Episcopal Churches, Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting and repentance—a day of contemplating one's transgressions. In other Christian denominations these practices are optional, with the main focus being on repentance. Some Roman Catholics continue fasting during the whole of Lent, as was the Church's traditional requirement, concluding only after the celebration of the Easter Vigil. As the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday comes the day after Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). Special Ash Wednesday services that are being offered in Huntington include: Central Presbyterian, 240 E. Main St.: 7:30 p Congregational Church of Huntington, 30 Washington Dr, Cpt: 7:30 p Old First Presbyterian, 125 Main St: 7:00 p St. John’s Episcopal, 12 Prospect St.: 7:30 a, 12:10 p, 7:30p St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 33 Woodbury Rd: Mass Times: 7:15 a, 9:00 a, 12:00 p, 7:30 p Liturgy of the Word: 3:00 p & 5:00 p Ashes will be offered at all services. United Methodist Church, 180 West Neck Rd: 8:00 p
